Brains Closely Linked to Type-2 Diabetes Says Study

A recent study by local researchers suggests an artery compressing the base of the brain is a factor in Type 2 Diabetes.

This was a study where people with Type 2 Diabetes did not change their weight, activity or diet. And for the first time – researchers found improvement.

"We did this by a brief operation with a little opening of the bone behind the ear where we moved the blood vessel of the right side of the base of the brain and near the nerve that controls the blood vessels to the abdomen, to the pancreas and really to a large degree to the body. And we found that we can reverse people and keep them from getting worse," said Dr. Peter Janetta, vice-chairman of Neurosurgery at Allegheny General Hospital and lead author of the study published in the journal Surgical Neurology International. Janetta worked in conjunction with other neurosurgeons and doctors who specialize in diabetes.

Obesity is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. The disease also develops in others who are not obese. Janetta says his research shows the disease might be a neurological abnormality.